Lead Academic Program Manager (Department Chair), Cloud & Network Engineering

About the role

The Lead Academic Program Manager at WGU is responsible for the strategic planning and development of Cloud and Network Engineering programs. This role involves conducting market research, defining program roadmaps, and ensuring alignment with employer needs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, skills and competency definitions, and positioning for the programs.
• Lead cross-functional work with subject matter experts, the program development team, and the broader organization to build degree programs that deliver strong student outcomes and labor market relevance.
• Track KPIs including applicants, enrollment, progress, retention, and alignment with employer needs.
• Align cross-functional stakeholders on priorities, decisions, and execution.

What Success Looks Like

Based on analysis and understanding of key metrics and their underlying drivers, the Lead Academic Program Manager acts based on which programs are performing well, which require attention, and proactively identifies and addresses risks or gaps.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master's degree in a technical/engineering field (computer science, software engineering, networking, cloud computing, or related).
• In lieu of a master's, a bachelor's degree plus 7 years of directly relevant experience will be considered.
• 4+ years of experience in product management, program management, educational program development, or a closely related role.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.